CHINA BUILDS ISLAND IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

November 26, 2014

China has made yet another move this week to consolidate control over disputed territory in the South China Sea. Satellite images, released by IHS Jane on November 20, show China constructing an island at Fiery Cross Reef, to the west of the Spratly Islands. Estimated at over 3,000 meters long and about 300 meters wide, this new island has enough room for an airstrip.

The South China Sea is one of the most contested areas in the world with China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam claiming territory. Of the six countries that lay claim to various territories in the South China Sea, all but Brunei occupy territory there. China is the fourth country to build an airfield in these disputed waters, after Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

China